'India could collaborate with others to take Akash tablet outside'

PANAJI: India is open to collaboration with international companies for future development of Akash tablet, which could make the low-cost device available for children across the world, Union HRD Minister Kapil Sibal said today.

Talking to PTI on the sidelines of Goa Think Fest conclave here, Sibal said that if any company wanted to collaborate with Indian government on Akash, it would be welcome, as "we want this tablet PC to be not only for the children of India, but for the children of the world".

The under-Rs 3,000 tablet, meant for college students, was unveiled early last month.

The minister said that during his visit to UNESCO, he found that Akash had caught the attention of world leaders.

" IBM and Intel want to collaborate with India for further development of this product without touching its price," he said, adding that the next edition of the device would be much more advanced, but will be available at the same price of USD 35.